Abstract: A friction-based clutch actuation system includes a rotatable input shaft, an output shaft, at least one input clutch plate operatively supported by the input shaft, and at least one output clutch plate operatively supported by the output shaft and moveable thereon. The friction-based clutch actuation system also includes at least one electric motor and at least one piezoelectric actuator operatively connected to the at least one electric motor. The friction-based clutch actuation system further includes a controller electrically connected to the at least one electric motor and the at least one piezoelectric actuator to activate said at least one electric motor to move the piezoelectric actuator relative to the at least one output clutch plate and to activate the piezoelectric actuator to apply a force to the at least one output clutch plate to engage the at least one input clutch plate.